A boutique arthouse cinema in Wageningen, Netherlands, renowned for its sustainability and diversity. Poised to redefine the cinema experience, Visum Mundi seamlessly integrates elements celebrating nature, sustainability, and inclusivity while paying homage to the building’s storied past.
The brief envisioned a space resonating with history, particularly the pivotal peace treaty signed on-site, marking the end of conflict between Dutch and German forces in WWII. We infused the design with nods to this event, utilising army greens to subtly acknowledge its military significance. Through a blend of spring and autumn hues, Pierre Frey tapestry fabric, and a lighting scheme echoing the natural world, the project draws on the area’s beauty. Collaborating with local artisans and suppliers, we sourced vintage furniture and lighting, championing reuse over production. The cinema features pioneering sustainable seats, made in collaboration with Infinity Seating Solutions, reflecting the client’s commitment to eco-conscious design. These seats have a framework of particle straw board, Orbis foam cushions, natural hessian cloth lining, and natural jute webbing.
The colour palette, featuring military greens, extends throughout the space, from the ceiling of the bar to various upholstery and the screen itself. Warm-hued wood tones that adorn the vaulted ceilings further enhance the atmosphere, while fabrics in the bar draw inspiration from camouflage prints, albeit in light blue tones, adding to the cohesive ambiance. We curated bespoke & vintage artwork, including a piece paying homage to the building’s inception in 1935, with plans for a dedicated exhibition space in phase II of the project. The bar, boasting a horseshoe shape and backlit steel panels, exudes a cinematic charm reminiscent of a bygone era.
